After waiting behind bars for four months, 37-year-old Asia Bibi of Pakistan stood recently before a judge in Sheikhupura, where she is accused of blaspheming Mohammed for allegedly saying, "Jesus is alive. Mohammed is dead."

She is charged under section 295-C of the Pakistani Criminal Code, which says, "Use of derogatory remarks, etc; in respect of the Holy Prophet. Whoever by words, either spoken or written or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Hole Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine."